FANUC robots are not made in the USA. 

FANUC handles final robot assembly and support for American buyers at its Michigan facility, but the core production, tech, and heavy lifting all happen in Japan. 

FANUC Corporation globally produced its 1 millionth robot in 2023, with FANUC America assembling a substantial percentage in the U.S. However, most core components still take a trans-Pacific flight before getting their “Made in America” stamp.

FANUC: What to know about global production

When it comes to robot street cred, FANUC is basically an OG. If you’ve seen a yellow robot arm on a factory floor, odds are it started life in Japan.

Here’s what matters about FANUC’s global empire:

• HQ is in Yamanashi, Japan: The real power moves happen at FANUC headquarters; not in Tennessee, not in Detroit, not even on Route 66.
  
  
• Founded in 1956 as a Fujitsu spin-off: This ain’t no scrappy startup story; FANUC’s been in the automation game longer than most companies (and a lot of people) have been alive.
  
  
• Masters of CNC, factory automation, and robots: Whether you’re after a paint shop robot or a CNC superstar, they’re probably already running one on your block.
  
  
• Global reach, regional spin: Yes, they have factories and regional hubs worldwide, but the lion’s share of production happens in Japan.

Want to geek out on where all these yellow robot arms come from? Check out our FANUC cobot review.

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Where are FANUC robots made?

FANUC robots are mostly made in Japan, but with a Detroit-area plot twist. FANUC’s legendary yellow robots are made at massive plants in Tsukuba and Oshino, Japan, where everything from the biggest welding arms to the tiniest paint shop robots gets its start. 

Once they’ve passed their tests, some head straight to FANUC America in Michigan for final assembly and integration.

Why does this matter for buyers in the USA?

• Full-scale production is in Japan: The robots’ hearts, brains, and most moving parts are made overseas; there’s really no way around it.
  
  
• FANUC America = assembly, training, and support: The Michigan site isn’t just a showroom; it’s where engineers make final tweaks for the U.S. market.
  
  
• Lead times depend on the model: If you need a highly customized painting or welding robot, you could be waiting for a boat from Yokohama.

Want to skip all of that shipping time? Check out this guide to cobot painting for factories that need speed.

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Is FANUC a Japanese or American company?

FANUC is a Japanese company, full stop. Right, now that’s settled, so you can avoid a bar fight at your local trade show. 

FANUC Corporation calls Yamanashi home, is incorporated in Japan, and runs the global show from there. But if you’ve heard about “FANUC America,” that’s just the U.S. arm. It’s a wholly owned subsidiary in Michigan, not a secret American knock-off.

Here’s how the split works:

• FANUC Corporation = Japan: They call the shots, design the robots, and make the big investments in tech, including the latest CRX line.
  
  
• FANUC America is for assembly, support, and customization: Rochester Hills, Michigan, is their home base in the U.S., handling integration, distribution, and support for North America.
  
  
• U.S. operations are big, but still regional: Everything stateside is ultimately an extension of the Japanese big momma.
  
  
• Integration and support get localized: Want a robot tailored to American manufacturing, or something custom like the FANUC CRX-10iA/L? The U.S. team handles it, so it’s not like you’re going it alone. 

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Why is US assembly important for manufacturers?

Having “Made in USA” on your robot makes your robot look good on LinkedIn, but it can also actually save your neck when deadlines and service calls start piling up. 

Why do manufacturers sweat this stuff?

• Shorter lead times mean faster fixes: Robots finished in the U.S. skip the global hopscotch. Need a replacement arm, paint nozzle, or a software tweak? It’s way more likely to show up before your Friday shift is over.
  
  
• Support you can call during business hours: When your line goes down at 3 p.m., you’re not stuck leaving voicemails for Japan. Local assembly means US-based engineers, real-time diagnostics, and next-day parts shipping.
  
  
• Compliance can be easier, or at least simpler: If your customer (or Uncle Sam) demands “U.S.-built,” partial domestic assembly lets you tick that box for contracts, tax incentives, or just good press.
  
  
• Warranty, service contracts, and parts: A warranty that depends on global shipping is basically a dare. U.S.-based support means replacement parts and warranty fixes move in days.
  
  
• Know what you’re buying: Some models (like FANUC’s bestsellers) might be finished stateside, but others still come fully assembled from the mothership. If compliance, speed, or service matters, check the fine print every time.

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Use case highlight: Paint shop robots

If you’ve ever watched a car get painted by a robot, odds are FANUC was on the job. 

• Automotive all-stars: General Motors slashed a bunch of manual buffing and sanding by letting FANUC robots run the first moving-line robotic paint repair system. The result? Fewer human headaches, better finishes, and a process so slick even 3M brags about it.
  
  
• Next-level panel perfection: In Poland, Lindner’s automated paint line uses FANUC’s P-250iB/15 bots to keep paint coverage consistent and downtime closer to zero, a full-on upgrade for anyone who likes their panels flawless the first time.
  
  
• Paint shop robots for everyone else: Not running a mega-factory? FANUC’s smaller, collaborative bots also tackle powder coating and tricky spray jobs in small businesses across the U.S.

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Why Standard Bots’ RO1 is a better option

RO1 is the alternative that just makes sense if you’re sick of shipping drama, global phone trees, or playing “guess the lead time.” Standard Bots is building and supporting cobots right here in NY, for real.

• Assembled in the U.S., for U.S. shops: RO1 shows up fast, with no customs roulette or three-week tracking adventures. Glen Cove, NY, baby!
  
  
• AI-driven, no-code setup: You can train this bot without an engineering degree. Drag, drop, and let it handle the rest.
  
  
• Built-in 3D vision: Skip the bolt-ons and firmware upgrades. Out of the box, RO1 can see what it’s painting, or welding, packing, or tending.
  
  
• 18 kg payload, ±0.025 mm repeatability: All the strength and accuracy you need, whether it’s a paint booth or a CNC cell.
  
  
• Try it risk-free: Get a 30-day in-shop trial. If it doesn’t fit, it goes back. No mess, no fine print.
  
  
• Support you can talk to: Real humans, real hours, and zero timezone math.

Want to see how American manufacturers are using RO1 for painting and beyond? Here’s a look at RO1 in action.

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FANUC vs. RO1: Side-by-side comparison

Time for the main event. If robot spec tables usually make your eyes glaze over, this one’s for you. No jargon, no marketing fog, just what matters when you’re deciding who gets to run your booth.

Let’s see who’s flexing and who’s faking:

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Summing up

So, are FANUC robots made in the USA? Not really. They’re made in Japan and assembled at their pit stop in Michigan before being shipped to you.

If you want a robot that skips the international layovers, Standard Bots RO1 is the no-nonsense, all-American option that actually shows up ready to work (and doesn’t ghost you when you call for help).

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Next steps with Standard Bots

Want to upgrade your automation game? Standard Bots’ RO1 is the perfect six-axis cobot addition to any shop floor, big or small.

• Affordable and adaptable: Available at half the cost of comparable robots: $37K (list).
  
  
• Precision and power: With a repeatability of ±0.025 mm and an 18 kg payload, RO1 handles even the most demanding jobs, like welding, palletizing, pick-and-place. You name it.
  
  
• AI-driven simplicity: Equipped with AI capabilities on par with GPT-4, RO1 integrates perfectly with production systems for even more advanced automation.
  
  
• Safety-first design: Machine vision and collision detection mean RO1 works safely alongside human operators.

Schedule your risk-free, 30-day on-site trial today and see how RO1 can bring AI-powered greatness to your shop floor.

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FAQs

1. Are FANUC robots made in the United States?

FANUC robots are partially made in the United States. Most FANUC robots begin manufacturing in Japan, but many receive final assembly and testing at FANUC's Michigan facility before heading to American shop floors.

2. Where is FANUC headquartered?

FANUC is headquartered in Yamanashi, Japan. The company's global headquarters operates from this location near Mount Fuji, overseeing worldwide operations and product development.

3. What’s the difference between FANUC America vs. FANUC Japan?

FANUC Japan serves as the parent company and global headquarters, whereas FANUC America operates as the U.S. subsidiary. FANUC Japan handles primary design and manufacturing, while FANUC America manages local assembly, customer support, and customization services for North American markets.

4. Are FANUC robots used in paint shops?

Yes, FANUC robots are widely used in paint shop applications. These robots are particularly popular in automotive manufacturing plants and are increasingly adopted by smaller shops seeking professional-quality finishes with improved consistency and reduced waste.